The Washington Nationals enter the 2025 offseason in search of three major categories. They need a power-hitting 1st baseman, a reliable bullpen arm, and a veteran ace to lead the young rotation. While players like Pete Alonso, Gleyber Torres, or Tanner Scott would be nice, Mark Lerner still does not seem eager to pull the trigger. That said, there are a few decent players on the market that the Nats could target.
RHP Dillon Tate
The Nationals always seem to add a veteran reliever or two to blend with the young up-and-comers in the Nationals bullpen. Dillon Tate, a former #4 overall pick in 2015, has bounced around in trades since being drafted by the Rangers. Traded to the Yankees in 2016 and then to the Orioles in 2018, Tate finally got the opportunity to perform. In 5 seasons with Baltimore, Tate has a career 4.09 ERA, striking out 170 and walking 65. Tate was DFA'd post-trade deadline in 2024 and ended up on the Blue Jays. Tate would be a good addition to the Nats bullpen, just as Dylan Floro was in 2024.
OF/1B Gavin Sheets
The Nationals have had reported interest in both Christian Walker and Pete Alonso, as they still try to find a solution to the first base blunder that has gone on since Ryan Zimmerman's departure. If the Nationals somehow do not sign a big 1st baseman, then Gavin Sheets is a likely settlement. Sheets does provide power, however, it is not consistent. Sheets, drafted 49th in the 2017 draft, has collected 46 homers over 4 seasons. Sheets primarily plays corner outfield, but can also play first base, playing 666.2 innings at first over a 4-year margin. Jesse Winker was a huge success in 2024, maybe Sheets can provide the same outcome.
RHP Spencer Turnbull
With the prices of Corbin Burnes and Max Fried almost verified out of the Lerner's price range, RHP Spencer Turnbull would be a great replacement. The former Tigers ace got a "prove it" deal in 2024 with the Phillies and shined. In 17 starts, Turnbull pitched to a 2.65 ERA, whilst striking out 58 and only walking 20. Turnbull would not necessarily be a future ace, but a decent placeholder and great trade piece at the deadline.
Honorable Mention
As mentioned, the Nationals need a starting pitcher. For the right price, Max Scherzer coming home for a final season before riding off into the Hall of Fame just feels right. Unless Max intends to ask for an insane amount of money, I think even Scott Boras would agree that Max Scherzer is done, and deserves to finish his career with the team in which he struck out 20 batters in one game, threw 2 no-hitters, and won a world series championship. Another likely reunion would include fan-favorite 1BB Josh Bell, who is also trending toward the end of his career and could serve as a placeholder at the first base position until Yohandy Morales or Brady House are ready for the show.
Who are the Nationals going to sign? Be sure to let me know on X, @branlittle58, as well as follow @nationals_network on Instagram.